American Water Works Association

ANSIIAWWA C653-97
(Revision of ANWAWWA C653-87)

AWWA STANDARD
FOR
DISINFECTION OF
WATER TREATMENT PLANTS

Effective date: Aug. 1, 1997.

First edition approved by AWWA Board of Directors Jan. 25, 1987.
This edition approved Feb. 2, 1997.
Approved by American National Standards Institute May 28, 1997.

AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION

6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80235
>

COPYRIGHT American Water Works Association

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 ~

S T D - A W W A Cb53-ENGL 1997 0783350 0505137 bo8 m

AWWA Standard
This document is an American Water Works Association (AWWA) standard. It is not a specification.
AWWA standards describe minimum requirements and do not contain all of the engineering and
administrativeinformation normally contained in specifications. The AWWA standardsusually
contain options that must be evaluated by the user of the standard. Until each optional feature is
specified by the user, the product or service is not hlly defined. AWWA publication of a standard
does not constitute endorsement of any product or product type, nor does AWWA test, c e r t i ~ or
,
approve any product.Theuse of AWWA standards isentirely voluntary. AWWA standards are
intended to represent a consensus of the water supply industry that the product described will
provide satisfactory service. When AWWA revises or withdraws this standard, an official notice of
action will be placed on the first page of the classified advertising section of Journal AWWA. The
action becomes effective on the first day of the month following the month of Journal A W A
publication of the offkial notice.

American National Standard

An American National Standard implies a consensus of those substantially concerned with its scope
and provisions. An American National Standard is intended as a guide to aid the manufacturer, the
consumer, and the general public. The existence of an American National Standard does not in any
respect preclude anyone, whether that person has approved the standard or not, from manufactur-
ing,marketing,purchasing, or using products, processes, or procedures not conforming to the
standard. American National Standards are subject to periodic review, and users are cautioned to
obtain thelatest editions. F’roducers of goods made in conformity with an American National
Standardare encouraged to state on their own responsibility inadvertising and promotional
materials or on tags or labels that the goods are produced in conformity with particular American
National Standards.

CAUTION NOTICE: The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approval date on the front
cover of this standard indicates completion of the ANSI approval process. This American National
Standard may be revised or withdrawn at any time. ANSI procedures require that action be taken
to reaffirm, revise, or withdraw this standard no later than five years from the date of publication.
Purchasers of American National Standards may receive current information on all standards by
calling or writing the American National Standards Institute, 11W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036;
(212) 642-4900.

Copyright O 1997 by American Water Works Association

Printed in USA

11

COPYRIGHT American Water Works Association

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 Committee Personnel
The AWWA Standards Committee on Disinfection of Facilities, which developed
and approved this standard, had the
following personnel a t t h etime of approval:

Elliott D. Schwartz, Chair

Consumer Members

P.G. Boissonneault, Portland Water District, Portland, Maine

P.M. Callahan,* Council Liaison, O.C.W.A., Syracuse, N.Y.
L.A. Hensley, Gary-Hobart Water Corporation, Gary, Ind.
J.P. Reames, Dallas City Water Utilities, Dallas,
Texas
E.D. Schwartz, GeneralWaterworks Management & Services,
King of Prussia, Pa.
C.H. Smith, ConsumersIllinois Water Company, Kankakee, Ill.
J.L. Stapf, Cityof Wyoming, Wyoming,Mich.

General Interest Members

K.C. Chocpette,+ Iowa Department of Health, Des Moines, Iowa

B.R. Elms,* Standards Engineer Liaison, AWWA, Denver, Colo.
J.V. Feuss, Cortland Health Department, Cortland,N.Y.
C.B. Hagar, Camp Dresser& McKee Inc., Phoenix, Ariz.
I.M. Markwood, Alvord, Burdick and Howson, Springfield, Ill.
R.M. Myrick, Pape Dawson Engineers, SanAntonio, Texas
M.S. Solomon, Winzler & Kelly Consulting Engineers, Santa Rosa, Calif.
T.W. Walker, NewYork Department of Health, Victor, N.Y.
M.L. Wentink, Nebraska Departmentof Health, North Platte,Neb.

Producer Members

W.B. Huebner, Wallace & Tiernan Inc., Belleville, N.J.

M.L. Johnsen, Johnsen Corrosion Engineering, Greenwood, Neb.

*Liaison, nonvoting
-
' Alternate

...
111

COPYRIGHT American Water Works Association

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 This page intentionally blank.

COPYRIGHT American Water Works Association

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 Contents

All AWWA standards follow thegeneral format indicated subsequently. Some variations from thisformat may be
found in a particular standard.

SEC. PAGE SEC. PAGE

Foreword 4 Requirements
I Introduction ........................................ vii 4.1 Cleaning ................................................ 2
LA Background.. ....................................... vii 4.2 Units Requiring Disinfection ............... 3
1.B History ................................................ vii 4.3 Materials for Disinfectant Chlorine
II Special Issues ..................................... vii Solutions ............................................ 3
1I.A Alternative Disinfection 4.4 Plant Disinfection Procedures ............. 4
Procedures ....................................... vii 5 Verification
III Use of This Standard ......................... vii
5.1 Bacteriological Sampling ..................... 5
1II.A Purchaser Options and
... 5.2 Record of Compliance........................... 5
Alternatives .................................... v111
1II.B Modification to Standard .................. viii 6 Delivery ............................................... 5
...
IV Major Revisions ................................. vu
...
V Comments .......................................... v111 Appendix
A Disposal
of
Heavily Chlorinated
Standard
Water ................................................. 7
1 General
1.1 Scope ...................................................... 1 Table
1.2 Purpose .................................................. 1 A.1 Pounds of ChemicalsRequired to
1.3 Application ............................................. 1 Neutralize Various Residual Chlorine
2 References ........................................... 2 Concentrations in 100,000 gal of
Water .................................................. 7
3 Definitions........................................... 2

COPYRIGHT American Water Works Association

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 S T D - A W W A Cb53-ENGL L977 m 0783350 0505343 O39 m

This page intentionally blank.

COPYRIGHT American Water Works Association

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 Foreword
is not a part of AWWAC653.
This foreword is for information only and

I. Introduction.
I.A. Background. Due to the complexity and diversity of treatment plants, the
formulation of firm rules for disinfection is not practicable. Nevertheless, principles
described in this standard do apply generally and must be followed to enable proper
disinfection of treatment plant facilities. Several alternative disinfection procedures
are provided for thoseparts of thetreatmentplantgenerallyreferred to as
conveyance facilities (such as, pipes) and storage facilities (such as, basins, tanks,
clearwells, and so forth). NOTE:Disinfection is required for all portions of the facility
that are downstream from the filter influent or that are downstream from the first
point of chlorine application in the treatment process when chlorine for disinfection
is added prior to filtration. That part of the treatment facility handling raw water
need not be disinfected, but should be thoroughly cleaned as described in Sec. 4.1.
I.B. History. Thisstandard describes methods of disinfecting new treatment
facilities before they are placed in service; existing treatment facilities before they
are returned to service after being subjected to contamination from construction or
inspection; and existing treatmentfacilities that, under normal operation, continueto
demonstrate the presence of coliform bacteria in the plant effluent. The first edition
of ANSIIAWWA C653 was approved by the AWWA Board of Directors on Jan. 25,
1987. This second edition of ANSIIAWWA C653 was approved by the AWWA Board of
Directors on Feb. 2, 1997.
II. Special Issues.
1I.A. AlternativeDisinfectionProcedures. Theutilityshould decide which of
the alternative disinfection procedures is most suitable for a given situation. Choice
of the procedure used should include consideration of the availability of materials
and equipmentfor the disinfection operation, the trainingof personnel to perform the
disinfection, and safety considerations. For example, gas chlorination shouldbe used
only where properly designed and constructed equipmentisavailable;makeshift
equipmentis not acceptable when liquid chlorine cylinders are used. Spray
equipment should be used inside tanks or enclosures only when thorough ventilation
is assured or when appropriate protection for personnel is provided. If a procedure is
selected that requiresthe disposal of highly chlorinated water, thenthorough
consideration should be given to the impact on the receiving environment. If there is
any question that the discharge of chlorinated waste may cause damage to aquatic
life, wildlife, human health, physical installations, or other downstream water usesof
any type, then a reducing agent should be applied to water being disposed of to
thoroughly neutralize the chlorine residual remaining in the water. (See appendix A
for neutralizing chemicals).
III. Use of This Standard. AWWA has no responsibility for the suitability or
compatibility of the provisions of this standard to any intended application by any
user. Accordingly, each user of this standard is responsible for determining that the
standard’s provisions aresuitable for and compatible with that user’s intended
application.

vii

COPYRIGHT American Water Works Association

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 ~

S T D - A W W A Cb53-ENGL 1777 W 0783350 0 5 0 5 1 4 5 901 H

1II.A. Purchaser Options and Alternatiues. The following items should becov-
ered in the purchaser’s specifications:
1. Standard used-that is, ANSUAWWA C653, Standard for Disinfection of
Water Treatment Plants, of latest revision.
2. Form of chlorine t o be used (Sec. 4.3).
3. Method of chlorination of piping (Sec. 4.4.1).
4. Precautions for disposal of chlorinated water (Sec. 4.4.4.4).
5. Bacteriological evaluation and method to be used (Sec. 5.1).
6. Redisinfection, if it is to be required (Sec. 5.1).
1II.B. ModificationtoStandard. Any modification to the provisions, defini-
tions, or terminology inthisstandardmust be
provided in the purchaser’s
specifications.
IV. Major Revisions. Major revisions made to thestandardinthis edition
include the following:
1. The format has been changed to AWWA standard style.
2. Definitions for “disinfectant” and “disinfection” have been added.
3. Table A.l has been revised.
V. Comments. Ifyou haveanycommentsorquestionsaboutthisstandard,
please call the AWWA Standards and MaterialsDevelopment Department, (303) 794-
7711 ext. 6283, FAX (303) 795-1440, or write t o the department at 6666 W. Quincy
Ave., Denver, CO 80235.

...
vlll

COPYRIGHT American Water Works Association

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 American Water Works Association

ANSIIAWWA C653-97
(Revision of ANSVAWWA C653-87)

AWWA STANDARD FOR

DISINFECTION OF
WATER TREATMENT PLANTS

SECTION 1 : GENERAL
Sec. 1.1 Scope
This standard covers chlorination materials, procedures, and requirements for
disinfection of new treatment facilities andexistingwatertreatment facilities
temporarilytakenout of service for cleaning, inspection, maintenance,painting,
repair, or any other activity that might lead to contamination of water. Typically,
these units include filter basins, filter media, clearwells, pump suction wells, and all
associated piping and appurtenances located downstream from the filter influent or
from the first point of application of disinfectant in the treatment process if process
disinfection is initiated upstream of the filters. The disinfection method employed is
surface contact with a high-strengthchlorine solution for a specific time period. Proof
that disinfection has been accomplished is provided by the results of bacteriological
sampling and testing thatshow the absence of coliform organisms.
Sec. 1.2 Purpose
The purpose of this standard is to define the minimum requirements for the
disinfection of water treatment plants, including facility preparation, application of
chlorine to the interior surfaces of water treatment units, and sampling and testing
for the presence of coliform bacteria.
Sec. 1.3 Application
This standard can be referenced in specifications for the disinfection of water
treatment plants and can be used as a guide for facility preparation, application of
chlorine, andsamplingandtesting for the presence of coliform bacteria.The
stipulations of this standardapply when this document has been referenced and then
only to the disinfection of water treatment plants.

COPYRIGHT American Water Works Association

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 ~~
~~

S T D - A W W A Cb53-ENGL 1777 0 7 8 3 3 5 0 0 5 0 5 3 4 7 784

2 AWWA C653-97

SECTION 2: REFERENCES
This standard references the following documents. In their latest editions, they
form a part of this standard to the extent specified within the standard. In any case
of conflict, :he requirements of this standard shallprevail.
ANSI IAWWA BlOOCtandard for Filtering Material.
ANSIfAWWA B604"Standard for Granular Activated Carbon.
ANSIIAWWA C651"Standard for Disinfecting Water Mains.
ANSIIAWWA C652"Standard for Disinfection of Water-Storage Facilities.
Standard Methods for theExamination ofWater and Wastewater.
AWWA, and WEF,S Washington, D.C. (19th ed., 1995).
Chlorine Institute§-Chlorine Manual.
Introduction to Water Deatment. AWWA, Denver, Colo. (1983).
Material Safety Data Sheetsfor forms of chlorine used (provided by suppliers).
AWWA Manual M3-Safety Practices for Water Utilities (1990).
AWWA Manual M2O-Water Chlorination Principlesand Practices (1973).
Water Quality and Deatment. 4th. ed. Prepared byAWWA. McGraw-Hill Book
Co., New York, N.Y. (1990).

SECTION 3: DEFINITIONS
The following definitions shall apply in this standard:
1. Disinfectant: Any oxidant, including, but not limited to, chlorine, chlorine
dioxide, chloramine, and ozone, that is added to water in any part of the treatment
or distribution process and is intended to kill or inactivate pathogenic microorgan-
isms. For the purposes of this standard, the disinfectants to be used are chlorine
solutions derived from liquid chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, or calcium hypochlorite.
2. Disinfection: A process that inactivates pathogenic organisms in water by
chemical oxidants or equivalent agents.

SECTION 4: REQUIREMENTS
Sec. 4.1 Cleaning
The entire newly constructed treatment facility (including treatment units and
piping not requiring disinfection under the provisions of this standard) shall be
thoroughly cleaned before the new facility is disinfected and placed in service. All
existing treatment units and piping temporarily taken out of service for inspection,

*American National Standards Institute, 11W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036.
I

'American Public Health Association, 1015 15th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20005.
*Water Environment Federation, 601Wythe St., Alexandria, VA 22314-1994.
§Chlorine Institute, 20001 L St. N.W., Washington, DC 20036.

COPYRIGHT American Water Works Association

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 DISINFECTION OF WATER TREATMENT PLANTS 3

maintenance, repair, or any other activity that might lead to contamination of the
process water shall be thoroughly cleaned before being disinfected and returned to
service. Cleaning agents used shall not contain hazardous substances or deleterious
compounds that would cause a violation of water quality health-effects standards if
subsequently introduced intothewatersupplyduring disinfection and filling
operations.
All scaffolding, planks, tools, rags,andanyothermaterial not part of the
structural or operating facilities of the treatment unit shall be removed. Once the
materials areremoved, the surfacesof the walls, floors, and attached structures shall
be thoroughly cleaned with a high-pressure water jet, or by sweeping, scrubbing, or
other equally effective means. All water, paint flakes, sediment, dirt, and foreign
material accumulated during this cleaning operation shall be discharged, vacuumed,
or otherwise removed from the unit.
Sec. 4.2 UnitsRequiringDisinfection
Disinfection is required for all elements of the treatment plant that are in
contact with disinfected water under normal plant operations. All treatment units
and piping located downstream from the filter influent including, but not limited to,
filter basins, filter media, clearwells, pump-suction wells, and all associated piping
and appurtenances shall be disinfected as described in this standard before being
placed in service. If process disinfection is initiated upstream of the filters, then all
treatment units andpiping below the first point of application of process disinfection
shall be disinfected before being placed in service. It is recommended that equipment
and storage facilities of chemical feed systems that input below the first point of
application of process disinfection be cleaned and rinsed with disinfectant prior to
being placed in service.
Sec. 4.3 Materials for Disinfectant Chlorine Solutions
The forms of chlorine that may be used in the disinfecting operations are liquid
chlorine, sodium hypochlorite solution, and calcium hypochlorite granules or tablets.
4.3.1 Liquid chlorine. Liquid chlorine contains 100 percent available chlorine
and is packaged in steel containers, usually of lOO-lb, 150-lb, or l-ton net chlorine
weight. Liquid chlorine shall be used only (1) incombinationwith appropriate
gas-flow chlorinators and injectors to provide a solution feed of controlled concentra-
tion to the water to be chlorinated; (2) under the direct supervisionof a person who
is familiar with chlorine’s physiological, chemical, and physical properties, and who
is trained and equipped to handle any emergency that may arise; and (3) when
appropriatesafety practices are observed to protect working personnel andthe
public.
4.3.2 Sodium hypochlorite. Sodium hypochlorite is available in liquid form in
glass, rubber-lined, or plastic containers typically ranging in size from 1 pt to 5 gal;
containers of 30-gal or larger size may be availableinsomeareas. Sodium
hypochlorite contains approximately 5 percent to 15 percent available chlorine, but
care must be used in control of conditions and length of storage t o minimize its
deterioration and the creation of chlorate.
4.3.3 CaZciumhypochlorite. Calcium hypochlorite is availableingranular
form or in small tablets and contains approximately 65 percent available chlorine by
weight. The material should be stored in a cool, dry, dark environment to minimize
its deterioration. The precautions listed on the containershould be carefully noted.

COPYRIGHT American Water Works Association

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 ~~ ~~~

S T D * A W W A Cb53-ENGL L997 m 0783350 0505347 5 5 7 m

4 AWWA C653-97

Sec. 4.4 PlantDisinfection Procedures

4.4.1 Plantpiping. All plant piping shall be disinfected using one of three
alternative methods described in ANSI/AWWA C651, including application methods,
chlorine solution strengths, retention times,disposal of highly chlorinated water, and
bacteriological sampling and testing.
4.4.2 Tanksandclearwells. All storage tanks, clearwells, and similar recep-
tacles shall be disinfected using one of the methods described in ANSIIAWWA C652,
including application methods, chlorine solution strengths, retention times,disposal
of highly chlorinated water, and bacteriological sampling and testing.
4.4.3 Filters. This section covers disinfection of filter basins and gravel, silica
sand, anthracite, and other mixed media materials except granular activated carbon
(GAC). GAC cannot feasibly be disinfected in the field. Therefore, when GAC is to be
part of the filter media, special careshall be used to protect the GAC from
contamination; all other media shall be placed in thefilter basin and disinfected prior
to placement of the GAC.
4.4.3.1 Preparation. Before any filter material is placed, the filter basin itself
shall be thoroughly cleaned as described in Sec. 4.1.
4.4.3.2 Media placement. After the filterbasin has been cleaned, thefilter
media shall be placed in the basin in accordance with ANSI/AWWA B100, using all
reasonableprecautions to maintain cleanliness. Following placement, the filter
media shall be backwashed and preparedfor service in accordance with ANSIIAWWA
B100, Sec. 4.5, Preparing Filter for Service.
4.4.4 Filter disinfection.
4.4.4.1 Disinfection procedure. After all other work is completed, and before
the filter is placed in service, the entire filter basin up to the maximum water level
shall be disinfected by chlorination. This can be accomplished preferably by injecting
sufficient chlorine into the backwash water to produce a free chlorine residual of at
least 25 mg/L throughout thefilter. After this has been accomplished, the chlorinated
water shall be allowed to stand in the filter for a t least 12 h. At the end of the 12-h
contact time, the chlorinated water shall be tested to determine the amount of free
chlorine residual. If the free residual is less than 15 mg& the chlorination' process
should be repeated. Sufficient tests should be made both from the top and bottom of
the unit (and at intermediatepoints if feasible) to ensure that the residual readings
measure thelowest chlorine level existing in the unitat theend of the 12-hperiod. If
satisfactory chlorine residuals are obtained after the chlorine retention period, the
filter shall be run to waste or backwashed thoroughly to remove the highly
chlorinated water.
4.4.4.2 Alternative procedure. As an alternative to the procedure described in
Sec. 4.4.4.1, chlorine may be continuously introduced into the filter influent water
while filtering to waste to produce a free residual of not less than 25 mg/L. When
water with at least a 25 mgL free residual chlorine concentration reaches the filter-
to-waste, the flow of water shall be stopped and the filter shall be held full of the
chlorinated water for a period of not less than 12 h. At the end of the 12-h contact
time, the chlorinated water shall be tested to determine the free residual.If the free
residual is less than 15 mgL, the chlorination process shall be repeated. Sufficient
tests should be made both from the top and bottom of the unit (and at intermediate
points if feasible) to ensure that the residual readings measure the lowest chlorine
level existing in the unit at the end of the 12-h period. After the chlorine retention
be run to waste
period, if satisfactory chlorine residuals are obtained, the filter shall
or backwashed thoroughly to remove the highly chlorinated water.

COPYRIGHT American Water Works Association

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 DISINFECTION OF WATER TREATMENT PLANTS 5

4.4.4.3 GAC filters. Disinfection of granularactivated carbon (GAC) (see

ANSIIAWA B604) filters shall be similar to Sec. 4.4.3.1, 4.4.3.2, 4.4.4.1, and 4.4.4.2
except that in Sec. 4.4.3.2, all media and support gravel (see ANSIIAWA €3100)
except GAC shall be placed in the filter prior to disinfection. Following disinfection
according to Sec. 4.4.4.1 or 4.4.4.2, the GAC may be placed in the filter. The GAC
must be stored and handled to keep it as clean as possible. Any equipment used in
placing the GAC in the filter must be cleaned and disinfected witha 200 mgL
solution of chlorine immediately before use. This includes shovels, spreading devices,
or other equipmentthat comes in contact with theGAC. In addition, all workers shall
wear rubber boots and gloves that have been previously disinfected with a 200-mgL
chlorine solution.
4.4.4.4 Chlorinated discharge. If there isany question that the chlorinated
discharge will cause damage to the environment, areducing agent shall be applied to
thewater to neutralizetheresidual chlorine. (See appendix A for neutralizing
chemicals.) Federal, state, or local environmental regulations may require special
provisions or permits prior to disposal of highly chlorinated water.

SECTION 5: VERIFICATION
Sec. 5.1 Bacteriological Sampling
After the chlorination procedure is completed, and before the treatment unitor
facility is placed in service, at least duplicate samples shall be taken from the unit or
facility not less than 30 min apart and shallbe tested for the presence of coliform in
accordance with the latestedition of Standard Methods for the Examinution of Water
und Wastewater. If none of the samples show the presence of coliform, the unit or
facility may be placed in service.
If any of the samples shows the presence of coliform,one of the following
procedures shall be followed before placing the unit or facility in service.
1. Take repeat samples at least 24 h apart until consecutive samples do not
show the presence of coliform.
2. Again, subject the unit or facility to chlorination and sampling asdescribed
in this standard.
Sec. 5.2 Record of Compliance
The report of bacteriological test results certifying that the water discharged
from the treatment facility is free of coliform bacteria shall serve as the record of
compliance.

SECTION 6: DELIVERY
This standard has no applicable information for this section.

COPYRIGHT American Water Works Association

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 S T D - A W W A Cb53-ENGL L997 m 0783350 0505L5L L05 m

This page intentionally blank.

COPYRIGHT American Water Works Association

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 Disposal of Heavily Chlorinated Water
This appendix is for information only and is not a part of AWWA C653.

1. Check withthe local sewer departmentorauthority for conditions of

disposal of heavily chlorinated water to any sanitary sewer.
2. Chlorine residual of water being disposed will be neutralized by treating
with one of the chemicals in Table A . l .

Table A.l Pounds of chemicals required to neutralize various residual chlorine concentrations
in IOO,OOO gal of water*
Sulfur Sodium Sodium
Residual Chlorine Dioxide Bisulfate Metabisulfite Sodium Sulfite
Concentration (S024 (NaHS03) (Na~S20,) (NazS03)
mgl L lb lb lb lb
1 0.8 1.2 1.1 1.5
2 1.5 2.4 2.2 3.0
10 7.5 12.2 11.2 14.8
50 38 61 56 74
'CAUTION: A substantial excess of dechlorinatingchemical also may be harmful to theenvironment.Careshould be
exercised to balance the amount of dechlorinating chemical against thechlorine present.
NOTE: Sodiumthiosulfate (Na,SzO5.5HzO) can also be used as adechlorinatingagent.However,dosages are pH
dependent, and must be calculated for each water.

COPYRIGHT American Water Works Association

Licensed by Information Handling Services
 ~~ ~

S T D - A W W A Cb53-ENGL L777 W 0783350 0505153 T88 W

1P-7.5M-43653-9/97-MG Printed on recycled paper.

COPYRIGHT American Water Works Association

Licensed by Information Handling Services